My October-December 2017 Book Haul!

So here’s my final book haul for the year 2017! Whoot hoot! I’ve actually read of all them already but as I’ve said – I loved having my own copies – it’s sort of easier when I’d like to reread them (I am actually rereading the Andrew Brawley now in between books haha)

If you are not familiar with the titles, five of these seven books are all young adult titles save for Texas Pride by Kindle Alexander and On Dublin Street by Samantha Young – both are spectacular reads and both were purchased from Book For Less (along with the Official Illustrated Movie Companion of Beautiful Creatures)

The other four came from Fully Booked which amounted to around 2600-2700 pesos. I discovered though, that Mackenzi Lee’s The Gentelman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue is P185 cheaper at the National Bookstore – a shame really cuz I saw it first in Fullybooked! I’m still happy though because I enjoyed the book plus, Fullybooked offers more LGBTQ+ title than the National Bookstore.

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On Dublin Street – Samantha Young
Jocelyn Butler has been hiding from her past for years. But all her secrets are about to be laid bare …

Four years ago, Jocelyn left her tragic past behind in the States and started over in Scotland, burying her grief, ignoring her demons, and forging ahead without attachments. Her solitary life is working well – until she moves into a new apartment on Dublin Street, where she meets a man who shakes her carefully guarded world to its core.

Braden Carmichael is used to getting what he wants, and he’s determined to get Jocelyn into his bed. Knowing how skittish she is about entering a relationship, Braden proposes an arrangement that will satisfy their intense attraction without any strings attached.

But after an intrigued Jocelyn accepts, she realizes that Braden won’t be satisfied with just mind-blowing passion. The stubborn Scotsman is intent on truly knowing her . . . down to the very soul.

Texas Pride – Kindle Alexander
When mega movie star and two time Academy Award winner, Austin Grainger voluntarily gave up his dazzling film career, his adoring fan base thought he’d lost his mind. For Austin, the seclusion of fifteen hundred acres in the middle of Texas sounds like paradise. No more cameras, paparazzi, or overzealous media to hound him every day and night. Little did the sexiest man alive know when one door closes, another usually opens. And Austin’s opened by way of a sexy, hot ranch owner right next door.

Kitt Kelly wasn’t your average rancher. He’s young, well educated and has hidden his sexuality for most of his life. When his long time wet dream materializes as his new neighbor it threatens everything he holds dear. No way the ranching community would ever accept him if he came out. With every part of his life riding on the edge, can Kitt risk it all for a chance at love or will responsibility to his family heritage cost him his one chance at happiness?

He Forgot to Say Goodbye – Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Ramiro Lopez and Jake Upthegrove don’t appear to have much in common. Ram lives in the Mexican-American working-class barrio of El Paso called “Dizzy Land.” His brother is sinking into a world of drugs, wreaking havoc in their household. Jake is a rich West Side white boy who has developed a problem managing his anger. An only child, he is a misfit in his mother’s shallow and materialistic world. But Ram and Jake do have one thing in common: They are lost boys who have never met their fathers. This sad fact has left both of them undeniably scarred and obsessed with the men who abandoned them. As Jake and Ram overcome their suspicions of each other, they begin to move away from their loner existences and realize that they are capable of reaching out beyond their wounds and the neighborhoods that they grew up in. Their friendship becomes a healing in a world of hurt.

The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue – Mackenzi Lee
Henry “Monty” Montague was born and bred to be a gentleman, but he was never one to be tamed. The finest boarding schools in England and the constant disapproval of his father haven’t been able to curb any of his roguish passions—not for gambling halls, late nights spent with a bottle of spirits, or waking up in the arms of women or men.

But as Monty embarks on his Grand Tour of Europe, his quest for a life filled with pleasure and vice is in danger of coming to an end. Not only does his father expect him to take over the family’s estate upon his return, but Monty is also nursing an impossible crush on his best friend and traveling companion, Percy.

Still it isn’t in Monty’s nature to give up. Even with his younger sister, Felicity, in tow, he vows to make this yearlong escapade one last hedonistic hurrah and flirt with Percy from Paris to Rome. But when one of Monty’s reckless decisions turns their trip abroad into a harrowing manhunt that spans across Europe, it calls into question everything he knows, including his relationship with the boy he adores.

The Inexplicable Logic of My Life – Benjamin Alire Sáenz
The first day of senior year:

Everything is about to change. Until this moment, Sal has always been certain of his place with his adoptive gay father and their loving Mexican-American family. But now his own history unexpectedly haunts him, and life-altering events force him and his best friend, Samantha, to confront issues of faith, loss, and grief.

Suddenly Sal is throwing punches, questioning everything, and discovering that he no longer knows who he really is—but if Sal’s not who he thought he was, who is he?

Beautiful Creatures : The Official Illustrated Movie Companion – Mark Cotta Vaz
xplore the making of the film Beautiful Creatures in this ultimate visual companion, lavishly illustrated with full-color photos of the cast, locations, and sets. This beautiful paperback edition celebrates the on-screen creation of Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl’s fascinating world, brought to life by screenwriter and director Richard LaGravenese.

With never-before-seen images, exclusive interviews and personal stories, Mark Cotta Vaz takes you behind the scenes with cast and crew, uncovering intimate details of the filmmaking process.

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I cannot wait to reread all of these books and I am excited for next year’s hunt!

Book Review: The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue – Mackenzi Lee

This is another one of my backlogged reviews. The last few weeks have been incredibly busy for me due to the holidays and some work deadlines, but I wanted to write a review for this awesome book before welcoming 2018, which will hopefully be full of adventures and positivity.

Let me first tell you what I thought after finishing this book: “That’s it?! That’s the end? I f*cking wanted more!” I mean, seriously, I enjoyed it so much that I didn’t want to let go of it right away. It felt like it ended too abruptly for my liking.

The most recent book I’ve read that resembled this one in some way—in terms of traveling through Europe and all its glory—is Josh Lanyon’s Jefferson Blythe, Esquire, which happens to be the most Young Adult-ish of all of Lanyon’s books, if you are not familiar with her works.

Henry, his sister Felicity, and his best friend Percy are on a Grand Tour of the Continent, after which Henry is expected to enter adulthood. As per the usual trope, things didn’t go as planned. The trio managed to steal a panacea (thanks to Henry), get captured by amateur pirates, and basically cause chaos wherever they went.

The story revolves around these three characters, all of whom have lead potential. They are indeed the main characters in this book, although the story is told entirely from Henry’s perspective. Each of them is distinctly different, vibrantly characterized, and full of personality.

I absolutely adore Henry. I loved his candor, and you can really see how he matures over the course of the story. Percy, on the other hand, is totally adorable! Gaaahhh, I loved their chemistry from the get-go! I was dying to get to the chapter where they finally realized they had been pining for each other for what felt like forever, and when it happened—ugh, I just can’t!

I feel like there is more to this story, and I cannot wait to read more of their adventures. I hope it’s Felicity’s turn next! I cannot recommend this book highly enough!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

About the Author
Mackenzi Lee holds a BA in history and an MFA in writing for children and young adults from Simmons College. She is the New York Times bestselling author of the historical fantasy novels THIS MONSTROUS THING and THE GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO VICE AND VIRTUE (HarperCollins), as well as the forthcoming THE LADY’S GUIDE TO PETTICOATS AND PIRACY and SEMPER AUGUSTUS (coming in 2019 from Flatiron/Macmillan). She is also the author of BYGONE BADASS BROADS (Abrams, 2018), a collection of short biographies of amazing women from history you probably don’t know about but definitely should, based on her popular twitter series of the same name.

She currently calls Boston home, where she manages an independent bookstore, drinks too much Diet Coke, and pets every dog she meets.

Matthew Eriksson for ZRD Official’s Fantasy Journey Street Wear AW 2018!

So I’ve been following Matthew since I’ve learned about him in 2015 and I’m just so proud of his every single project in between! Just a few days ago, he posted his latest campaign with ZRD Official’s atumn/winter line called Fantasy Journey and it looks absolutely stunning! I freaking adore the whole vibe of the collection!

Model:Matthew Eriksson | https://www.instagram.com/mattheweriksson/
Photographer: Bill Chen | http://www.billchenphotography.com| IG: https://www.instagram.com/billchenphoto/
Do check out ZRD Official’s instagram | @zrd_official_ for more updates about the collection.

 

 

Film Review: Baby Driver (2017)

Baby Driver reminds me so much of 21 and that’s probably because of the “Spacey” connection and the whole thing about professional felons with an innocent guy in the mix.

I do like the overall feel of the film – its funky music and alert pacing mirroring Baby’s best asset. What I didn’t quite like is its story in general. It was unrealistic with flimsy dialogues especially coming from Kevin Spacey and Jamie Foxx.

On the plus side, I thought Ansel was amazing considering the awful script. The rest are cliche at best. I don’t mind recommending this at all. It’s got lovely music and Ansel’s face.

Director: Edgar Wright
Cast: Ansel Elgort, Kevin Spacey, Lily James, Eiza Gonzalez, John Hamm, Jamie Foxx, John Bernthal
Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Meet the Contestants of America’s Next Top Model Cycle 24! (2018)

The new cycle of America’s Next Top Model is scheduled to premiere on VH1 next month and as you’ve probably heard, Mama TyTy is returning as its host after Rita Ora took over the 23rd cycle of the show! Yasss!!!!

photo from VH1

Without further ado, let’s meet the contestants that will be in the running to be America’s Next Top Model!

Brenda “Brendi K” Seiner
Age: 22
Hometown: Nashville, TN
Twitter: @BrendiKSeiner | Instagram: @Brendi.K.Seiner
#TeamBrendiK

https://www.instagram.com/p/BRqcW1VlIUa/?taken-by=christinamariaam

Christina Anderson McDonald
Age: 34
Hometown: Jenkintown, PA
Twitter: @ChristinaAM612 | Instagram: @christinamariaam | Snapchat: @Christinamam
#TeamChristina

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcSXEQFgHsG/?taken-by=iamlizharlan

Elizabeth “Liz” Woodbury
Age: 24
Hometown: New York, NY
Twitter: @liz_harlan | Instagram: @iamlizharlan
#TeamLiz

https://www.instagram.com/p/BPDgFKMhzY1/?taken-by=ivanawest

Ivana Thomas
Age: 23
Hometown: Durham, NC
Twitter: @IvanawestTweets | Instagram: @Ivanawest | Snapchat: @ivanakt
#TeamIvana

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bcqt3FpBgd_/?taken-by=jeanaturner

Jeana Turner
Age: 24
Hometown: Minneapolis, MN
Twitter: @Jeana_Turner | Instagram: @JeanaTurner
#TeamJeana

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcFRp3wlp5h/?taken-by=khrystyana

Khrystyana Kazakova
Age: 32
Hometown: New York, NY
Twitter: @iamkhrystyana | Instagram: @khrystyana
#TeamKhrystyana

https://www.instagram.com/p/BIat5PmgQXH/?taken-by=kylasorad

Kyla Coleman
Age: 20
Hometown: Lacey, WA
Twitter: @kylasorad | Instagram: @kylasorad | Snapchat: @kylasorad
#TeamKyla

Liberty Netuschil
Age: 20
Hometown: Lava Hot Springs, ID
Twitter: @LibNetuschil | Instagram: @thelifeoflibs | Snapchat: @thelifeoflibs
#TeamLiberty

Maggie Keating
Age: 20
Hometown: Surry, ME
Twitter: @_MaggieKeating | Instagram: @maggiekeating | Snapchat: @mkeats99
#TeamMaggie

Rhiyan Carreker
Age: 20
Hometown: Orange, CA
Twitter: @RhiyanCarreker | Instagram: @othatonegirl | Snapchat: @kingrhiyan
#TeamRhiyan

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbupARjjKR0/?taken-by=officialriosummers

Rio Summers
Age: 23
Hometown: Detroit, MI
Twitter: @OfficialRioSumm | Instagram: @officialriosummers | Snapchat: @OfficialRioSumm
#TeamRio

https://www.instagram.com/p/BaxK_5VjaTF/?taken-by=missshehab

Sandra Shehab
Age: 22
Hometown: Cliffside Park, NJ
Twitter: @missshehab | Instagram: @missshehab | Snapchat: @missshehab
#TeamSandra

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bamf38IhG0c/?taken-by=girlthatshanice

Shanice Carroll
Age: 25
Hometown: Murfreesboro, TN
Twitter: @GirlThatShanice | Instagram: @GirlThatShanice | Snapchat: @iamshanice
#TeamShanice

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXdxixbnZFm/?taken-by=coura_sasha

Shantelle “Coura” Fall
Age: 24
Hometown: Eastvale, CA
Twitter: @coura_sasha | Instagram: @coura_sasha | Snapchat: @coura_sasha
#TeamCoura

My favorites: Kayla and Coura. ❤

The cycle 24 of America’s Next Top Model will premier on Tuesday, January 9th at 8/7c on VH1.

Is Catriona Gray, 2018 Binibining Pilipinas-bound?

photo from powerhouseph_ Instagram

The 2017 pageant season isn’t quite over yet since Katarina Rodriguez has yet to compete in her respective pageant assignment but since Miss Intercontinental 2017 edition is still slated for a January 2018 staging in Egypt, the buzz about the prospective queens next year is getting louder and louder especially after the lackluster results we’ve got from Miss World, Miss International and the Miss Universe pageant.

Photo from Catriona Gray’s Instagram

This early, we’ve been hearing one particular name that pageant fans and pundits are dying to see make a “comeback” and strut at the Binibining Pilipinas stage. It is none other than the top five finisher of the Miss World 2016 – Catriona Gray.

I for one is a big fan and couldn’t wait to see her win the most coveted title in the Binibining Pilipinas – the Miss Universe Philippines. She’s just so beautiful and smart that if we end up hosting the pageant next year – I’ve no doubt that she may end up winning the fourth Miss Universe crown for the country if she would decide, of course to truly participate in the nationals and (hopefully) bag the top plum.

Back in 2013, I’ve written a similar piece about Megan Young’s “supposed” intent to participate in the Golden edition of the Binibining Pilipinas. Her (again) “supposed” disqualification in joining the national pageant turns out to be a blessing in disguised as she went on to win the Miss World Philippines giving her a chance to represent the Philippines in Miss World 2013 where she end up winning the title, thus becoming the first winner of the blue crown in the country.

As of the moment, Catriona and her camp (the Aces & Queens – the same beauty camp of Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, 2013 Miss World Megan Young and 2016 Miss International Kylie Verzosa) are keeping mum about her plans but it’s still very early to release a statement ofcourse since the Miss Universe was just held a week ago in Vegas! For now, let’s just keep our fingers crossed!

The X Factor UK 2017 – Week 6 Series’ Finale – Rak-Su Wins!

Rak-Su just became the second act from the groups category to win the X Factor UK since Little Mix won the show in 2011. They are also the first-all male group to win the show!

Grace Davies, the singer-songwriter  from Lancashire village of Langho came in second after performing her original songs in the series.

And the winner is..

Both acts are expected to sign with Simon Cowell’s Sony-owned label, Syco Records!

Dimelo will be Rak-Su’s first single!

The X Factor UK 2017 – Week 6 Top 3 Finals Recap #XFactor

This is going to be real quick because these three remaining acts are all deserving of the top plum! Sadly though, one has to leave the competition last night and two of them will move forward and battle it out tonight to claim to X Factor throne this series!

Each act sang two songs. One for their solo performance and the next one is a duet with an established act.

Kevin Davy White performed first with Whole Lotta Love by Led Zeppelin.

This is a Kevin Davy White classic. Beautiful performance yet again!!!

Grace Davies meanwhile sang Live and Let Die from the 1973 James Bond film of the same title.

Ugh. This is my favorite performance of her tbh. This is her genre!

Rak-Su for their solo sang their original song Mamacita.

These boys are amazing! I’ve high hopes for them win or lose

Their Duets

Kevin Davy White – Fastlove, Pt. 1 with Tokio Myers

Grace Davies – Roots (Original) with Paloma Faith

Rak-Su – Dimelo (Original) with Naughty Boy & Wyclef Jean

Eliminated: Kevin Davy White

My Winner’s Prediction is Grace Davies!

Final Groups for the 2018 World Cup! #worldcupdraw

Here’s the draw results for next year’s FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Which game are you most excited to watch?

Who Should Win The X Factor UK 2017? #XFactor

We’re down to the last three acts – Grace Davies, Rak-Su and Kevin Davy White  – and this weekend’s performances will determine the series’ 14th champion.

Will the charismatic Kevin Davy White be able to sway the public to vote for him and make him the first non-British contestant to win the show? Or will Rak-Su be performing another chart-topper for their final performances? Last but definitely not the least – will Lancashire native Grace Davies be able to worm her way to the top against her testosterone-dominated competitors?

Let’s watch them in their first audition.

Youtube videos and photos via X-Factor.